Wolves-L.A. Lakers game preview

Lakers rookie Ball to sit out

Preview: When the Wolves play the Lakers for the first time this season on Sunday, they'll go against a team lacking the second overall draft pick from June, Lonzo Ball, who was ruled out because he sprained his left shoulder Saturday night. He will sit out at least a week, the Lakers indicated. Ball, averaging 10.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists, had two triple-doubles in the season's first month but has not had one since. He tied LeBron James as the youngest NBA player to record multiple triple-doubles; both did so at 20 years and 23 days old. The 11-20 Lakers have lost two consecutive games and five of their past six after Saturday's 95-92 home loss to Portland. The lone victory in that stretch came, oddly, over Houston. The losses: to the Trail Blazers, New York, Cleveland and twice to Golden State. … The Wolves are 8-7 against the Lakers since they ended a 22-game losing streak to them with a November 2013 victory at Staples Center. The teams split their four-game series a season ago, each winning twice at home.

Players to watch: The 27th player selected in last summer's draft, forward Kyle Kuzma has been a revelation. On Friday, he became the first Lakers rookie to score 25 or more points in three consecutive games since Jerry West in the 1960-61 season. Kuzma, West and Elgin Baylor are the only Lakers rookies to do so. He has five 20-point/10-rebound games, the most by a Lakers rookie since Magic Johnson in 1979-80. … Former Wolves forward Corey Brewer has played in 308 consecutive games, the NBA's longest active streak. It started Feb. 7, 2014, with the Wolves.

Injuries: Wolves F Nemanja Bjelica has missed the past 15 games because of a midfoot sprain and is questionable after participating fully in Friday practice and Saturday's shootaround in Phoenix. Lakers C Brook Lopez is listed as out because of a sprained ankle.